Dear Friend,

In Proverbs 9:10, we read, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” As Christians we know the “fear” of the Lord is to stand in awe and wonderment of His majesty. This awe and wonderment leads right to Philippians 2:1-2 where we read, “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” So, what is this one purpose, to know Him, to love Him and to be with Him now and forever more.

Today I pray with you, just as you are praying for yourself, your families, your dear friends and all the care givers who help you in so many ways. Today, I want you to know for sure and for certain that all the congregation at St. Jude Catholic Church is praying with you and for you, every day you are in our prayers. So, follow the teachings of our Savior, Lord Christ Jesus. Unite in spirit with all who are praying for an end to this horrible pandemic. Be of one mind, in fellowship, in love, and in compassion for all who are suffering. Draw strength from your prayers, draw strength from knowing you are not alone, never alone. Pray to the Lord, your prayers will bring Him closer to you as you approach Him with your love and thanksgiving for all the blessings He has given. Isaiah knew the Lord and called on Him constantly in all ways, in great joy in good times and in sad times of uncertainty. Isaiah knew that the Lord would be close to us and hear us in our prayers, so He wrote in, Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Amen.

May the Lord shine His light and love on us all today, blessings for all of us.

Dear Friend,

In these troubling times, when we all feel so isolated, overwhelmed by this dreadful pandemic, let’s join together with our Bibles in hand and pray for one another. In Galatians 6:2, we read, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” What then is the law of Christ? To have no other God before us and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. I know you can see so many people suffering. I know you too are feeling the pain of separation and the anxiety of uncertainty. Nevertheless, stay strong in your faith and pray for yourself, your family, and friends. Pray for the people around you, “Bear one another’s burden,” and help them find some peace of mind.

Remember, Psalm 40:8, ”I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” Again, scripture teaches that it is God’s Law in our hearts which calls us to His higher power. It reminds us of the joy we feel knowing we are following His way into His light. Knowing His love and His Law is within us, all we have to do is ask for His strength, wisdom, guidance, and everything will be OK. So, I am asking you to go to your neighbors today and remind them they are not alone. Remind them that the priests, deacon, staff and all the congregation of St. Jude Catholic Church are praying for them. I am asking you to be the one who brings a message of hope. In Proverbs 15:23, we read, “A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!” Yes, you can be the one who brings His message of hope. Let us never forget, we are the people who the Lord called out of the darkness into His wonderful light. Blessings for all of us.

Dear Friend,

How can anyone find any happiness while in the grips of this hideous pandemic? Every day we are faced with loneliness and the anxiety of being separated from our families, our dear friends and the things in life which bring us joy. In moments like this, we as faithful Christians, can turn to the most powerful force in the universe, the most glorious joy in the world, our Lord, Christ Jesus. We read in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” How true and what great news, our Lord and our Savior, Father of mercy and comfort. Let’s turn to Him in prayer, right now!! Let’s thank Him for His word, the lantern which lights our path out of this time of darkness and into the light of His love. Let’s pray that He opens our humble heart so we might find the strength to give some comfort and aid to those around us.

Hold tight to your faith and the strength you receive from Christ Jesus. Remember what we read in Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.” So, let’s ask first for our salvation, let’s pray together; Forgive me Lord for the pain and confusion I have caused in other people’s lives. Console them with the same consolation I receive from you. Heal their hearts and cleanse their souls. Now, Lord, sustain me with a willing spirit, a spirit of strength in times of difficulties, the strength to reach out to others in need. Lord let me be the one who will echo your words; Proverbs 15:23 : “A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!” A word of encouragement, and a word of perseverance. Amen